Community News

There has been a large amount of work in the community in relation to the A9 Dualling Project since the presentations and public meetings by Transport Scotland and Jacobs in late January/early February. Recent work has focused on drafting the submission to Transport Scotland from the Community Council that was submitted in mid-April (and is available to read on the Bridge website: http://www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk/community-news/a9-dualling .Individuals can submit their own responses to the A9 dualling plans directly to Transport Scotland at A9dualling@jacobs.com or by post to Sarah Morgan, A9 Dualling Project, Team Stakeholder Manager, Jacobs UK Ltd, 95 Bothwell Street, Glasgow, G2 7HX.

Following the meetings, the Community Council created a working group chaired by Stuart Paton (dunkelda9workinggroup@gmail.com). The group’s first meeting was on 29th February and was attended by around 20 people. At this meeting, sub-groups were established to look at key issues and also plan subsequent work. A second meeting, held on 29th March, was attended by around 25 people who discussed progress and further issues.The basic principles of the working group are to work in a cooperative and constructive manner with Transport Scotland to understand fully the issues and influence decision-making. The current general sentiment is that there is insufficient information for an informed decision. The key themes considered by the group are (1) the unique character of the area (2) relaxing some road standards to mitigate key issues (3) noise (4) health and air quality (5) flooding (6) environmental and ecology issues (7) public transport links and (8) non-motorised travellers. We are fortunate that a range of people have made contributions to this process.The working group decided to focus first on the Community Council submission rather than encouraging a wide response from individuals. However, the consultation process is ongoing and there will be several opportunities to make your own representations.Transport Scotland have also engaged directly with individuals most directly affected by the dualling project, particularly in the section between the Tay Crossing and Ballinluig.If you wish to join the working group, require further information or have other issues that you think should be raised, please contact Stuart directly (dunkelda9workinggroup@gmail.com).The A9 dualling page of the Bridge website (http://www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk/community-news/a9-dualling) will also get regular updates as further information becomes available.We have also set up an open Facebook group with the snappy title ‘A9 Dualling Group’ to share comments and ideas.A9 Dualling Project:Updates from Community CouncilPlease watch out for posters around the community for two meetings to take place around mid/end May; dates and venues to be confirmed.(1) Community Update: Opportunity for everyone affected to hear from and respond to the Community Council's A9 Working Group on what has happened since last Public Meeting with Transport Scotland & Jacobs (29 February); to discuss information received, issues emerging, next steps.(2) Public Meeting with Transport Scotland & Jacobs who have been invited back to present all the information that was requested in February and since; respond to submissions; address questions; update on process; discuss next steps.You can also find updates on the Community Council website:http://dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk/featured-storiesmain/371-dunkeld-birnam-community-council or contact dunkeldA9workinggroup@gmail.com